Release Detail

September 26, 2002 - Hevesi, Spitzer Have Big Leads In New York Races,
Quinnipiac University Poll Finds;
Slim Majority Of State Voters Back NYC Commuter Tax

Former New York City Comptroller Alan Hevesi, a Democrat, leads Republican State Assembly
member John Faso 50 - 30 percent among likely voters, including voters leaning towards a candidate,
in the race for New York State Comptroller, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Another 19 percent are undecided.

"The early line looks good for Democrats in these two statewide races," said Maurice
Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Name recognition counts in the State Comptroller's race: Alan Hevesi got more media
attention as New York City Comptroller than John Faso did as Assembly Minority Leader.

"And Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is no stranger to a camera."
Commuter Tax

By a 52 - 40 percent margin, New York State voters say suburban commuters who work in
New York City should pay a city income tax. New York City voters back the commuter tax 65 - 29
percent, while suburban voters oppose it 60 - 36 percent. Among upstate urban and non-urban
voters, 49 percent back the income tax.

Even Republicans statewide back the measure 48 - 43 percent.

"The people who would pay it - suburbanites - think the New York City commuter tax is a bad
idea. The people who pay the city's bills now - city residents - would love to share this burden with
their neighbors," Carroll said.

"Surprisingly, upstate voters wade in on the side of New York City on this issue."

Voters statewide oppose 51 - 39 percent having the State Legislature allow New York City to
raise taxes on New York City residents. City residents oppose this move 69 - 23 percent; suburban
voters are split 46 - 45 percent; voters in upstate cities are split 42 - 38 percent and other upstate voters
support a New York City tax hike 51 - 36 percent.

By a 60 - 31 percent margin, voters statewide say the State Legislature should increase state aid
to New York City. City and suburban voters back this measure, while upstate urban and non-urban
voters oppose it.

New York State voters oppose 51 - 22 percent moving the primary elections from September to
June. Opposition is uniform among all parties and in all areas of the state.

"We did not mention that the state's primary usually will fall within a week of the September
11 anniversary when we asked this question, but those who want to change the primary date will have
to spend more time educating the voters," Carroll said.

From September 17 - 23, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,298 New York State
registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percent. The survey includes 936 likely
voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and nationwide
as a public service and for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Charles Schumer is handling his job
as United States Senator?

33. As you may know, some have suggested that New York City raise taxes on
New York City residents in order to help reduce the city budget deficit. This
measure would require approval from the state legislature.
Do you think the state legislature should or should not approve of New York
City increasing taxes on New York City residents?